Deadly Vows (17 page)

Her hand shook as she brushed a lock of hair from his forehead and then placed her palm against the cool flesh of cheek.

“Ford,” she whispered, her voice catching, her stomach twisting with sorrow. He’d nearly died to keep her safe, and all the things she’d once thought so important—missed birthdays and dinners, weekend getaways spent alone, forgotten anniversaries, conversations cut short—paled in comparison to the sacrifice he’d made.

He opened his eyes, blue fire blazing from his pale face. “Liv. Thank God. I thought maybe I’d dreamed that you’d survived.”

“It was no dream. You saved my life, Ford. I don’t even know how to thank you,” she said, tears dripping down her face despite her best efforts to stop them.

“Don’t,” he said, covering her hand with his, pressing it closer to his face.

“You nearly died, Ford.”

“But I didn’t. You didn’t. We’re both okay. The baby is okay. Tell me something, Livy. Did you mean what you said?”

“What did I say?”

“That you didn’t want to raise our baby alone?”

“I did, but there’s something that I didn’t say. There’s no one else I want to raise our child with but you, Ford. The past is over. I want to start fresh. The two of us together building that life I’ve always dreamed of.”

“You’re not the only one with that dream now, Olivia. When they wheeled me into surgery, you know what I was doing?”

“Telling them you were fine and trying to jump of the gurney to find me?”

“Besides that,” he said, offering a smile that made Olivia’s heart swell with joy. He looked like Ford again. Handsome, charming, exasperating Ford.

“What?”

“I was praying I’d get a chance to build a new life with you. One with that old Victorian you’ve always wanted. A white picket fence. A swing set in the backyard.”

“Long walks in the evenings?”

“And church on Sunday morning. Picnics in the park. A couple of kids laughing and playing while we talk.” His eyes drifted shut, and Olivia tried to slip her hand out from under his, her tears still flowing, her heart so full she thought she’d burst with the joy of it.

Ford’s grip tightened and he opened his eyes. “My body wants to rest, but my mind says that if I do, you’ll disap
pear and I’ll have to spend another four months searching the country for you.”

“Rest. I’m not going anywhere,” she said.

“I’m not worried about you going. I’m worried about the FBI coming and stealing you away.”

“No one is going to steal anyone on my watch,” Rachel cut in, her voice brusque as shoved a wad of tissues into Olivia’s free hand.

“Thanks.”

“No problem. Now, sit yourself down in this chair and relax while your husband sleeps. I’m going to call for a cot to be brought in, ’cause it looks to me like you could use some rest, too.” She turned away before Olivia could tell her not to bother. A chair was just fine as long as she was with Ford.

She eased down into it, smiling. “Happy now?”

“More than happy. We’re both alive. We’re both safe.”

“For now.”

“Forever. I really believe that, Livy. God didn’t get us through the last few days to abandon us. He’ll get us through the next few weeks. Get us through the trial. And when it’s over, He’ll be the cornerstone of the new life we build together. How does that sound, my love?”

“It sounds perfect,” Olivia responded, pressing a kiss to Ford’s lips, sealing their love, echoing his faith.

Then she leaned back, smiling into Ford’s eyes until he drifted to sleep and she drifted with him, hands still connected, hearts beating in rhythm with one another. In sync as they’d never been before. Their hope for the future, their faith that God would keep them safe, filling Olivia with peace as she let the dream take her.

“Y
ou two ready to head out?” Special Agent Jackson McGraw asked as Olivia and Ford were shepherded out of the courthouse. Bright May sunlight shimmered on the pavement and flashed on camera lenses aimed in her direction, but Olivia paid no attention. The trial was over. The jury would decide Vincent Martino’s fate, and Olivia and Ford were finally free to begin the life they’d been planning while Ford recovered.

Olivia glanced at her husband, smiling as she responded to McGraw’s question. “We’ve been ready for weeks.”

“Yeah, I figured that,” Jackson said, his gaze skimming the crowd, still searching for danger despite the trial’s end. The Martino family wasn’t the kind to forgive and forget. The hate-filled looks they’d shot in Olivia’s direction during the trial had contrasted sharply with Vincent Martino’s blank, dead-eyed stare. Just looking into his eyes had made Olivia want to cup her hands protectively over her noticeably expanding belly.

“How are you going to get us out of the city with this circus of reporters following our every move?” Ford asked, his voice gravely with worry and irritation. He’d been antsy during the trial, confident in his faith but concerned for
Olivia. The trial was too stressful for a pregnant woman, he’d claimed, and Olivia had laughed.

After all they’d been through, sitting in a chair while lawyers questioned what she’d seen in December had seemed like a piece of cake.

“We’re taking you back to FBI headquarters. We’ve got a helicopter there waiting to bring you to the airport.” They also had Olivia and Ford’s new identities. Jackson didn’t mention it, but the truth was a warm kernel of hope in Olivia’s gut. Soon she and Ford would put the horror of the past few months behind them, they’d begin a new life filled with a million possibilities.

The thought filled her with joy, and she could barely contain it as they piled into a sedan and made the ten-mile trek to the building where she and Ford had spent the last few weeks since Ford’s release from the hospital. Jackson had been telling the truth when he’d said their stay would be comfortable. A large conference room in the upper level of the building had been converted into an apartment while Ford recuperated, and Ford and Olivia had been taken there as soon as Ford’s doctors gave the okay for him to leave the hospital. During their short stay there, they’d almost been able to pretend they were back in early days of their marriage when an efficiency apartment and their love for each other had been more than enough.

Olivia waited impatiently while several agents approached the sedan and stood watch while Jackson opened the door. “Ready?”

“I was ready months ago,” Ford muttered as he maneuvered out of the car and offered a hand to Olivia.

She accepted, excitement thrumming through her
veins. A new life. A fresh start. And in just a few more months a baby.

“I can’t say I’m sorry to say goodbye to this place,” Ford said as they walked into the building.

“And I can’t say I blame you. It’s been a long and difficult road, but you two are almost at the end of it. I can’t express to you how much the FBI appreciates what you’ve done, Olivia.” Jackson responded, pressing the button on the elevator and then waiting while Olivia and Ford piled in.

“I couldn’t have done anything else.”

“Maybe not, but not everyone would feel the same. You’re a strong woman.” Jackson smiled, and Olivia sensed his relief. He’d done as he’d promised and gotten her through the trial in one piece.

“She is, isn’t she?” Ford said, his arm around Olivia’s shoulders. He’d healed more quickly than the doctors anticipated, surprising everyone with his swift recovery. Everyone except Olivia. She knew how determined her husband was. How focused and goal driven, and his goal had been to get better so that he and Olivia could start their new lives together.

“One of the strongest people I know,” Jackson responded, something dark and troubled in his gaze. “Which reminds me—”

“Whatever it is, she’s not doing it. She’s testified and now we’re going,” Ford interrupted.

“Why don’t you let me decide what I am or am not going to do?” Olivia said, and Ford smiled sheepishly.

“Sorry. I’m just a little anxious to put this place behind us.”

“And you’re going to, but there’s someone who wanted to meet Olivia. I told her it was up to the two of you whether or not you wanted to put your trip off for a few more minutes.”

“Who?” Olivia asked, curious. During the past few weeks she’d had few visitors. Jessie had come, pale and still recovering from a nearly fatal gunshot wound. Marshal James had made an appearance. Olivia’s parents had been noticeably absent. Though Olivia had called to update them, neither had made the time to visit.

And that was fine with Olivia.

She had everything she’d ever wanted. She wouldn’t ask for anything more.

“She’s someone I’ve known for twenty-two years. A young lady whose life was impacted by the Martino family. She wants to meet with you to thank you for testifying against Vincent.”

Olivia couldn’t say no to that. She glanced at Ford and he nodded his agreement. “I’d be happy to meet with her.”

“Thank you. It’s going to mean a lot to Kristin. Before I take you to her, let’s go over the plans for your departure. You’ve packed a small suitcase each?”

“Yes, and I’ve wired funds to an off shore account,” Ford said, his arm tightening around Olivia’s shoulders. She knew what he was feeling—excitement, apprehension. Joy. They were leaving the past behind completely, starting fresh in a way most people never could. Their travel plans were convoluted and besides Ford and Olivia only Marshal McGraw knew their final destination—a small city outside of Paris. Maybe they’d stay there. Maybe they’d move on. For now, though, a tiny cottage in the French countryside waited, and Olivia couldn’t wait to get there.

“And you’ve told no one of your plans, and you realize that once you get on the helicopter you must assume your new identities. No contact with old friends or associates or family.”

“We’ve been briefed, McGraw, so how about we just
move on to the part where you wish us luck and we walk out of this place?” Ford said, and Jackson grinned.

“Sorry. Let’s go. Ms. Perry is waiting right down the hall. Once you’ve met with her, we’ll go up to the roof. The helicopter is on standby.”

He pushed the door open and led them out into the corridor, past a few closed doors and to one that stood open.

“This shouldn’t take long,” he said as he stepped inside.

Olivia followed, Ford pressed close to her side.

A woman stood at the far side of the room, staring out one of the windows. She turned as they approached, her thick brown hair swinging with the movement.

“Olivia?” She asked, her gaze on Olivia’s face, then dropping to Olivia’s stomach.

“Yes,” Olivia responded, offering her hand.

“I’m Kristin Perry. Jackson has told me so much about you, and I’ve got to admit, I’ve been glued to the news for the past week watching the media circus surrounding the trial.”

Olivia had
been
the news for the last week, but she didn’t say that, just smiled at the young woman encouragingly. “Jackson said you wanted to speak to me.”

“I wanted to thank you.”

“For?”

“For testifying against Vincent Martino. That took a lot of courage.”

“Thank you, but as I’ve said to Jackson, I did what anyone would have.”

“Not anyone. Only some people have it in them to go against a family like the Martinos. You’re one. My mother was one,” Kristin said, the sadness in her eyes unmistakable.

“Your mother?”

“She was like you. A young pregnant woman who witnessed a crime. I know she must have been scared. She wasn’t fortunate enough to have someone standing beside her,” Kristin said, her gaze shooting to Ford. She offered him a quick smile before continuing.

“It was just my mother, and she could have run, ignored what she’d seen and gone on with her life, but she believed in doing the right thing and she agreed to testify against the Martino family. The Martinos weren’t happy about it. They attacked my mother and me, but Mom was able to save us. Unfortunately, she was so scared that I’d be killed because of her testimony, that she left me with Jackson and went into hiding. I haven’t seen her since.”

“I’m so sorry,” Olivia said, reaching out to take Kristin’s hand.

“Don’t be. I wish I could have had my mother in my life for all these years, but we both survived, and I’ve had a good life raised by people who love me. But when I saw your story, it brought up a lot of things. I’m so glad you’re going to be able to keep your baby.”

“Maybe one day you’ll find your mother again,” Olivia said, grief for the young woman and the mother who’d left her a hard knot in her stomach. Kristin’s mother must have been incredibly strong to leave her daughter behind, to sacrifice years spent with a child she loved so that that child could be safe.

“I hope so, but if I don’t, at least I’ll know your child has you. That the Martinos couldn’t break your family apart like they did mine.” She smiled, but Olivia knew she must long desperately to be reunited with her mother.

And what of her mother?

Did she grieve for the child she’d left behind? Did she celebrate each birthday with cake and tears?

Just the thought made Olivia’s eyes well. She blinked hard, not wanting to cry in front of Kristin. “I want you to know that Ford and I will be praying that you and your mother will be reunited one day.”

“Thank you. That means a lot to me. And I want you to know—” Before she could finish, Jackson’s cell phone rang. He frowned, lifting it to his ear, his scowl deepening as he listened, his muscles visibly tensing.

“How is that possible?” His gaze rested on Olivia, and she knew whatever he was hearing wasn’t good. “Get every available man on it. Now!” He hung up, shoving the phone away, his movements sharp and rigid.

“I’m afraid we’re going to have to cut this meeting short. Something has come up.”

“I don’t like the look on your face, McGraw. What, exactly, has come up?” Ford asked, scowling at the other man.

“We’ve got a problem.”

“What kind of problem?”

“Vincent Martino has escaped custody.”

“What? How?” Olivia and Ford asked in unison.

“I don’t have all the details, but it sounds like he escaped from the hospital.”

“What was he doing at the hospital? He didn’t seem sick at the trial today.” As a matter of fact, Olivia had thought he’d seemed almost smug as the jury found him guilty of murder in the first degree.

“His father is dying. His lawyer fought hard to get him a visit with the old don before Vincent went back to maximum security. Said the don was on his deathbed and
that it was cruel and unusual punishment to keep the eldest child from his father’s side.”

“And the judge bought that?” Kristin asked, clearly disgusted.

“Every judge is a son or daughter, and most have at least a small measure of compassion,” Jackson responded. “Besides, if everyone had been on the ball and doing their job, a visit to the hospital wouldn’t have resulted in an escaped prisoner.”

“Then how did it?” Ford pressed, and Jackson sighed, running a hand over his hair.

“A nurse was found dead in a supply closet in the basement of the hospital. There was a smudge of black on her palm.”

“A smudge of black on her palm? What is that? A calling card?” Kristin asked, her brow furrowed with the same confusion Olivia felt.

“I’m afraid so,” Jackson said. “We’ve seen it twice before on two victims that testified against the Martinos.”

“You mean the women who were murdered in Montana?” Olivia asked.

“Yes. One of Martino’s hired help murdered the nurse, probably soon after she arrived for her shift, shoved her body in the closet and took her ID. Once Vincent arrived to visit the old don, the ‘nurse’ pulled a gun and held a civilian hostage. Fortunately, that woman wasn’t hurt.”

“But Martino escaped.”

“Right. Kristin, if you’ll wait here, I’ll be back soon to escort you out. Ford. Olivia. Let’s head up to the roof. It’s time to start your new lives.”

“But—”

“Don’t argue with a good thing, Livy.” Ford interrupted, gently squeezing her shoulder. “Besides, there’s nothing we
can do to help them find Martino. You’ve testified. The judge will pass sentence. Leave the rest for the FBI and police.”

He was right. Of course he was, and Olivia nodded as Jackson led them into stairwell and up a flight of stairs.

A helicopter waited in the center of the flat roof, and a man got out as Ford and Olivia approached. Dark-haired and tall, U.S. Marshal Micah McGraw looked younger and less hardened than his FBI brother. “We’ve got your belongings in route to the airport. Should arrive before the flight takes off. Here are your new identification cards. Passports are included.” He handed Olivia a brown envelope, and she clutched it tight. There future lay inside. Hers. The baby’s. Ford’s. She wouldn’t let that be marred by worries about Vincent Martino’s escape.

“Thank you, Micah.”

“No need to thank me. This is what I do.” He flashed a smile, but his gaze was on Jackson. “I heard the news.”

“I don’t think there’s anyone in federal law enforcement who hasn’t,” Jackson replied, his tone grim.

“We’ll get him, bro.”

“We’d better. Now, get these two to the airport and out of here. I won’t rest easy until I know Olivia is far from Vincent Martino’s grasp.”

“Will do,” Micah replied. “Come on. Let’s go. You two have a new life to begin.”

He gestured for Olivia and Ford to climb into the helicopter. Ford went first, then turned, to grab Olivia’s hand, smiling encouragement as she clambered in after him.

“Ready?” he asked as Olivia pulled a seat belt over her burgeoning belly.

“I’m more than ready.”

“Me, too, Liv. Me, too.” And he leaned in to offer a kiss
filled with all the promise and hope Olivia had almost stopped believing in.

She smiled, squeezing his hand, peace replacing fear. Faith replacing doubt. God had brought them this far. He wouldn’t abandon them now. Soon, they’d have the new life they both craved, and the joy of that resounded through Olivia as the helicopter lifted off, speeding away from the FBI headquarters, speeding away from the past, speeding toward the only thing Olivia had ever wanted—a life filled with love.